In this lesson, children learn that God is making everything new and that he will live with his people forever with no more crying or pain. Children from about 5 to 11 can follow it, and it takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the activity.
Big Idea
God is making everything new, and one day he will live with his people, wiping away every tear and bringing an end to sadness forever.
Memory Verse
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
(WEB)
Cup your hands under your eyes, then slowly sweep them outward, as if wiping away tears. Do it together each time you say the verse, and children will remember that God wipes away every tear.
The Story: Revelation 21 for Kids
A man named John was given a special vision by God. He saw a brand new heaven and a brand new earth. The old ones had passed away, and even the sea was gone. John looked up and saw a beautiful city coming down out of heaven from God, shining like a bride dressed up for her wedding day.
Then John heard a loud voice from the throne in heaven. The voice said, “Look, God’s home is now with people! He will live with them, and they will be his people.” Everyone who had cried would find comfort. There would be no more death, no more crying, and no more pain. The old things were gone.
The one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making all things new.” He told John to write down these words, because they are faithful and true. God promised to give freely to anyone who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. Those who trust God would be his children.
John was carried away in the Spirit to a high mountain. From there he saw the holy city clearly. It had a huge, tall wall with twelve gates. Three gates faced each direction: east, north, south, and west. Angels stood at the gates, and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on them.
The city was made of pure gold, like clear glass. Its walls were decorated with many kinds of beautiful jewels. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each one made from a single pearl. John saw no temple in the city, because God himself and the Lamb are its temple. The city did not need the sun or the moon, since God’s glory was its light.
The gates of the city would never close, because there would be no night there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life would enter.
Read It Together
Revelation 21:1
I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.
(WEB)
Point out that God is making a new heaven and a new earth. Ask children what they think “new” means, and explain that God’s new world will never be broken or sad.
Revelation 21:3
I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
(WEB)
Show children that God’s dwelling is with people. Explain that God wants to be close to his people, and that this is the best news of the whole chapter.
Revelation 21:23
The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
(WEB)
Point out that the city does not need the sun, because God’s glory lights it up. Let children imagine a place so bright that God himself is the light.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you think will be different in God’s new world?
- How does it make you feel to know that God will wipe away every tear?
- Why do you think God wants to live with his people?
- What do you think the Lamb is like, and why is it special that he is the light of the city?
- What can you do this week to show God that you are glad he is making all things new?
Activity Ideas
Draw the New City
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw the holy city with its twelve gates and shining walls. Encourage them to add bright colors and jewels, since the walls were covered in precious stones. Talk about what they added and why it looks beautiful.
Wipe the Tears Game
You will need a few tissues or small cloths and a timer. Have children stand in a circle and pass a tissue around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the tissue sits down and says one thing that makes them sad. Then the group says together, “God will wipe away every tear.” This game helps children see that God comforts those who are hurting.
Take-Home Jewel Reminder
You will need a paper plate, glitter glue or stickers, and a marker. Have each child decorate the plate with jewels and write “God is making all things new” on it. Encourage them to hang it in their bedroom. When they see it, they can remember that God promises a beautiful new world where there are no tears.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a picture of God’s final plan. He will restore creation, remove death and suffering, and dwell with his people in full closeness. The city imagery reminds us that God is the center of everything, and that our hope is rooted in his faithfulness and his character, not in our own efforts.
Avoid overstating the symbolism to children, such as trying to explain each gemstone or the exact measurements of the city. Keep the focus on the big picture: God is making everything new, he is with his people, and he wipes away every tear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank you that you are making all things new. Thank you that you will live with us and wipe away every tear. Help us to trust you when we feel sad, and help us to look forward to your beautiful new world. Amen.
